Political leaders, business leaders, who leads and who follows, where our future leaders will come from — all are crucial issues, in Westport, the nation and the world.
No one knows more about leadership than Barbara Kellerman. The longtime Westport resident was the founding executive director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. She served on its faculty for over 20 years, after teaching at other schools including George Washington, Dartmouth and Maryland.
Professor Kellerman was awarded 3 Fulbright Fellowships, authored numerous books, has written for the New York Times and Washington Post, appears regularly on TV, and has lectured all over the world.
Yesterday, she and I chatted on the Westport Library stage. Our conversation about leadership ranged far and wide, from the US presidency and British government to why Westporters have become so rude to our leaders (who are also our neighbors).
Gardeners, dog walkers and parents of schoolchildren — some of whom fit in more than one of those categories — await tonight’s Representative Town Meeting agenda item #7 (Tuesday, June 4, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Last month, the Board of Selectwomen approved a request by the Parks & Recreation Department to close all school grounds to anyone not a “student, staff member or invited guest” between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., whenever school is in session.
Tonight, the RTM will vote on a petition “to review, discuss and reject the new Parks & Recreation regulation, or modify it in order to preserve the gardening hours at the Westport Community Garden to their prior hours during school days (i.e. no gardening between 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.).”
The prohibition is currently in effect, though apparently it has not been enforced due to the pending petition.
Wakeman Field — adjacent to Bedford Middle School — is part of the ban. It was not included for an exemption in the petition before the RTM.
When a section of Winslow Park off Compo Road North was handed to contractors, as a staging area for sewer work nearby, many folks feared the worst.
Industrial fencing went up. Gravel covered the grass. Paradise wasn’t exactly paved over, but — despite promises to the contrary — it sure seemed like it would never be back the way it was.
A year later, that area is as good as new.
If not better.
The fencing is gone. Gravel was trucked away. Grass grew back quickly. You’d never know the difference.
Thanks to Westport’s Public Works Department, and all others who made sure the contractors lived up to their promise.
Let’s hope the new sewers are in equally good shape.
New grass at Winslow Park’s former staging area. (Photo/Dan Woog)
And speaking again of Winslow Park: A memorial service for Johnny Barnett — called by some its “mayor” — will be held there Sunday (June 9, 10 a.m.). See the map below for the exact location.
This Sunday is also Barnett’s birthday.
Guests should bring folding chairs. There will be acoustic music from the Barnett children, and an informal reception after the memorial.
================================================
Staples Tuition Grants does 2 things very well.
It raises money. Then it gives it away.
STG celebrated its 81st year last night at the high school auditorium. The organization awarded $380,000 in scholarships to 104 graduating seniors and students already in college.
The money goes to students with demonstrated financial need. Over 400 people donated to the general fund this year, or to named or endowed awards that honor Staples’ history — and support its future.
To learn more about Staples Tuition Grants, click here.
Some of the STG recipients, in the Staples courtyard. (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
After 23 years as director of the Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School — and 34 total years — Pat Rackliffe is retiring.
The Co-op was founded in 1955 by parents to provide a strong, supportive environment for their children’s early education. Pat exemplified that mission, through a strong sense of community with the students, staff, and parents.
Meanwhile, new director of education Libby Gustafson began June 1. She knows The Co-op well, having served as a junior counselor at age 14.
She later returned as a teacher, parent, contributor to the parent education series, and accreditation consultant.
But that’s not all. Pat Racklifee is Libby Gustafson’s mother!
Pat will be honored for her contributions this Friday (June 7). Email info@westportwestoncoop.org), or call 203-227-9318 for details.
Westport educators Lauren Francese and Anthony Battaglia have been honored for their commitment to excellence in social studies.
The awards were given by the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies.
Francese — the Westport Public Schools’ social studies coordinator — welcomed attendees at the annual meeting. She and several colleagues received an award for helping develop Connecticut’s new social studies standards.
Battaglia won the Pre-Service Excellence in Social Studies Education award, for exceptional student teachers. A pre-service teacher from the University of Bridgeport, he recently completed his student teaching in 8th grade at Coleytown Middle School.
At Staples, from which she graduated in 2010, Caroline Goldstein was very active in the school paper Inklings.
Her sophomore and senior year English teacher Gus Young inspired her love for writing through an independent study, and encouraged her to apply to a summer program at Simon’s Rock.
That led to her study of creative writing as an undergrad at New York University, where she also earned a master’s of fine arts.
It all paid off. The writer — who now goes by Caroline Wolff — just published her first book.
Amazon says of “The Wayside”:
When Kate Cleary’s son, Jake, dies at his elite liberal arts college, she refuses to believe it was suicide. Something sinister is at play, and Kate becomes determined to retrace Jake’s steps during his final days. Descending into a spiral of obsession as she finds herself up against unknown forces at every turn, Kate falls further into a dangerous mystery that brings her closer to a terrifying truth even Jake himself wanted to keep hidden.
Combining elements of dark academia and domestic fiction with a modern twist, “The Wayside” is a sharply observed story of suspense, devotion, and the secrets we keep from those who love us most.
Click here for more information, and to order. (Hat tip: Jessica Isaacs)
The Westport Fire Department responded to an outdoor structure fire next to a Burnham Hill residence just before midnight..
There were no injuries. The incident is being investigated by the Westport Fire Marshal’s office. The WFD was assisted by Westport Police and Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
Burnham Hill fire (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Azerbaijan may not be the jazz capital of the world.
But Amina Figarova rose from her youth behind the Iron Curtain to become of the most celebrated pianists and composers on the international jazz scene.
This Thursday (June 6, 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399), she makes her debut Jazz at the Post appearance.
She’s joined by flutist Bart Platteau, bassist Will Goble, drummer Ryan Sands and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Tickets are $20 for the music; $15 for veterans and students. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Mary Lou Denke Rotella died last Wednesday, with her family by her side. She was 73.
The Saugatuck native and Staples High School graduate lived in Westport for most of her life.
She met her husband of 53 years, Angelo Rotella, through close friends.
She raised 3 children, while taking care of her parents and mother-in-law.
Mary Lee worked as a certified nursing assistant at a convalescent home, and in the Coleytown Elementary School cafeteria. In her spare time, she loved to bake, dance, fish and garden. Mary Lee was adamant about cutting her own grass and weed-whacking, and did her own lawn care until shortly before she died.
Her family says,, “Mary Lee’s favorite thing was to bring people together, and make others happy and feel cared for. We can only aspire to have a fraction of her energy, strength, and love for others.”
Mary Lee is survived by her children Dawn, Angelo Jr. (Natasha); and Lisa (Christian); grandchildren Brianna, Paddy, Darragh, Isabelle and Angelo III, and siblings Frank Denke Jr. and Pamela Fortner. She was predeceased by her husband, and brothers John, Merritt (Bobby) and Donald Denke.
Calling hours are at Harding Funeral Home on Thursday (June 6, 4 to 7 p.m.). Mass will be held Friday (June 7, 11 a.m., Assumption Church).
And finally … On this date in 1919, Congress approved the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The measure — guaranteeing suffrage to women — went next to the 48 U.S. states for ratification.
(From the Community Gardens, Wakeman Field and Winslow Park to Broadway and Azerbaijan, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Last month, their food pantry at the Gillespie Center closed for renovation. They had to find a new place to serve scores of hungry Westporters.
They moved to the Sasco Creek Village community center, at 1655 Post Road East.
Warm and welcoming food pantry, at Sasco Creek Village.
The new site is bigger. It’s brighter.
It’s fresher too — and not just metaphorically. With room now for a refrigerator and freezer, the food pantry can stock meat, bread and other perishable items.
That’s opened up whole new, and healthy, possibilities for food-insecure clients.
Ever since the new doors opened, they’ve raved about the big, bright, fresh Homes with Hope pantry.
The shelves in the community center contain everything the former location did: canned soups and stews, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, tuna fish, crackers, pasta sauce, rice, granola bars, baby food and the like.
But there’s also — in addition to all those fruits, vegetables, eggs and more — a gluten-free section.
Plenty of food in the new pantry.
Volunteers — those who donate food, and those who donate time — have always been the backbone of Homes with Hope’s pantry. All are excited about what they can donate, and give away, now.
The refrigerator was donated by the Aspetuck Health District. It had been used to store COVID vaccines.
Now that items can be kept for more than a day or two, staffers plan ahead. They print up and hand out recipes, using the healthful ingredients they know are on hand.
Recipes, using ingredients available at the pantry.
“We can now offer what people want — not what we thought they wanted,” says Katharine Murray, Homes with Hope’s senior director of marketing and development. “They really, really love the fresh foods. Now they’re ‘shopping,’ not just ‘taking.'”
Another addition: toiletries like toothpaste, razors and shaving foam; feminine hygiene products, and cleaning items. Those are vital to people on limited budgets — but not covered for those using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called “food stamps”).
Shoppers register once, using a short form that includes questions like family size. There is no formal income verification process. About 90 different individuals have come since the pantry relocated last month.
Clients can shop once a week. Food pantries elsewhere often limit shoppers to once a month, Murray says.
Homes with Hope marketing executive Katharine Murray (left) and CEO Helen McAlinden, with food donation.
The new location has opened up the pantry to new clients. Many come from Sasco Creek Village itself. Some use wheelchairs.
But longtime clients are served well too. Sasco Creek — one of 4 sites run by the Westport Housing Authority — is on the Coastal Link bus line, opposite Goodwill. There is plenty of parking.
That’s great for people dropping off food, as well as those picking up.
As it has since its inception decades ago, the pantry draws many donors. Some are loyal, like “Miss Jane.” She’s dropped off several bags, several days a week, for years, and continues to do so.
Trader Joe’s has become a generous donor at the new site. They’ve been very generous, with fresh vegetables, eggs, fruits and corn, and frozen meats and vegetables.
The new freezer and refrigerator, filled with healthful food. (All photos/Dan Woog)
The pantry is open to clients and donors from 1 to 4 p.m. every weekday, except Wednesday.
People sometimes stand outside at 1:00.
They are grateful that although the Gillespie Center pantry door closed last month, the new one at Sasco Creek Village opened.
Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (front row, 3rd and 4th from left), with staffers and officials at last month’s ribbon-cutting.
39 Staples High School scholar-athletes were honored last night, at a unique dinner.
The coach of each varsity sport nominates one candidate, for his or her combined academic and athletic achievements. Each is given one question to answer on the spot, involving their interests, activities and passions.
Topics last night included flying as a solo pilot at age 16, overcoming a gymnastics neck injury to compete again, and experiences in clubs like Girls Who Code, Females in Finance, and AWARE.
Congratulations to all the scholar-athletes:
Fall sports: Charlotte Moody (fall cheerleading), Ben Lorenz (boys cross country), Emma Morris (girls cross country), Kathryn Asiel (field hockey), Troy Toglia(football), Jeremy Rosenkranz (boys golf), Avery Mueller (boys soccer), Coco Crombie (girls soccer), Libby Turner (girls swimming), Isabella Rivel (girls volleyball), Ronan Waddhwani (boys water polo).
Spring sports: Luke Oakley (baseball), Erin Oldale (girls golf), Ryan Skolnick (boys lacrosse), Caroline Cooper (girls lacrosse), Kellen Archibald (boys rugby), Katelyn Bouchard (girls rugby), Caitlyn Schwartz (sailing), Carley McGarry (softball), Jared Even (boys tennis), Sarah Marron (girls tennis), Luke Rabacs (boys outdoor track), Valentina Davis (girls outdoor track), Mason Siskind (boys volleyball), Kira Tomoda (girls water polo).
In addition, Staples athletic director VJ cited 2 coaches for career victory milestones: Laddie Lawrence (track, 2,000) and Jack McFarland (baseball, 300).
Sarullo also presented Bud Titsworth with a Block “S” award, for his longtime service to Staples athletics.
Bud Titsworth (left) and Staples athletic director VJ Sarullo, at last night’s Scholar-Athlete dinner. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
Brendan Donohoe — known to many generations of Westporters as a friendly, knowledgeable and passionate maître d’ at several local restaurants, most notably his decades at Chez Pierre (now Nômade) — died suddenly on Thursday.
He was 88, and lived in Wilton.
The Newry, Ireland native joined the Merchant Marines as a young man, and traveled the world. He often recounted adventures from those days.
Brendan immigrated to the US in the 1960’s. He settled in Westport, and began his restaurant career.
He was a lifelong history enthusiast, especially that of Ireland and the Celtic tribes. He followed political and financial news, and was an officer and investor in several gold mining firms.
His rituals included breakfast daily with friends at Orem Diner, and a weekly lunch at the Sherwood Diner. He attended mass every Sunday.
Brendan was an avid runner. He completed over 30 marathons throughout the United States.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Butler; siblings Marie, Veronica, Kevin and Dermot; many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Gigi. He was predeceased by his sister, Shelia Barr.
Visiting hours will be held at Harding Funeral Home, Westport on Wednesday (June 5, 5 to 7 p.m. A Memorial Mass is set for at Our Lady of Fatima in Wilton on Thursday (June 6, 10 a.m.).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Fatima.
Yesterday, Major League Baseball celebrated its 4th annual Lou Gehrig Day.
The event — a joint effort of all 30 clubs, along with broadcast partners, and digital and social media — raises both awareness of ALS, and funds for research.
Also is also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease. MLB remembered the New York Yankees hero, and all who have been lost to the disease.
MLB’s strong advocacy for the project is due in large part to Chuck Haberstroh. The former Staples High School basketball star — whose mother Patty, a beloved Westporter who touched many lives through her work with the Department of Human Services, and who was afflicted with ALS — c0-chaired a committee that developed the league’s several initiatives.
MLB honored Patty Haberstroh yesterday, in their publicity for Lou Gehrig day.
PS: A special fundraising auction is underway now, through June 12. Click here for items, and to bid.
===============================================
If you missed the first showing of Homes with Hope’s 40th anniversary documentary: Don’t miss the next one.
It’s Sunday, June 9 (2 to 3:30 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall).
The free event showcases the non-profit’s 4 decades of housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and offering hope to neighbors whose lives are not as fortunate as others’.
Former Westporter Livio Sanchez’s documentary film uses interviews and archival material (including long-ago video), to trace Homes with Hope’s history, from a controversial concept (with plenty of NIMBY and it’s-not-our-problem opposition), through its move from a drafty firehouse to an old maintenance shed on Jesup Road (now the Gillespie Center), and its current array of multi-pronged programs.
Jim Gillespie’s family will be honored at the showing. He played a major role in the founding and development of the Interfaith Housing Association, the original iteration of Homes with Hope.
The Gillespie Center was named in his honor Dr. Gillespie, a clinical psychologist, was killed when struck by a car in France in 1988.
The Gillespie Center. Dr. Gillespie’s family will be on hand June 9, for the showing of a documentary on Homes with Hope’s first 40 years.
=================================================
Temple Israel found a unique way to celebrate Pride yesterday.
Members baked rainbow challah, then handed them out at Jesup Green.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
Meanwhile, here’s another great shot from yesterday. Their t-shirts and smiles say it all:
The future of pedestrian safety may be seen on Myrtle Avenue.
There — at Evergreen Avenue — pushing a button lights up the crosswalk.
It’s a bright, startling sight for drivers. They immediately slow down.
I’m not sure why this hasn’t gotten more publicity. But it seems like a relatively inexpensive, high-return solution to one of Westport’s biggest concerns.
This photo does not do justice to the crosswalk lights. (Hat tip and photo/Carl Addison Swanson and Jo Ann Miller)
This is a photo of lighted crosswalk (not in Westport). The “Xing” sign is also not in Westport.
Staples High School’s senior prom was Saturday night, at the Greenwich Hyatt Regency. “06880” received this photo, of attendees at a pre-party:
(From left): Michael Belpedio, Nate Goodman, Lucas Fischel, Jack Marshall, Aidan Kogan.
================================================
The next Westport Book Shop Short Story Book Club meeting is June 27 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).
Attendees will read 2 selections from Alice Munro’s “Runaway” collection. “Soon” and “Silence” are connected stories that relate different stages of a character’s life, and explore themes including relationships, family and loss.
Copies are available at the Westport Library. The Westport Book Shop has 1 copy, for borrowing.
Registration is required. Call 203-349-5141 or email bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.
Westport Book Shop, on Jesup Road.
================================================
Alexanderina “Ina” Lozyniak of Westport died on Friday.
A native of Aberdeen, Scotland, she came to the US as a teenager. She was a long time Westport resident.
Ina was an active member of Saugatuck Congregational Church. She enjoyed bingo at the Senior Center, movies and having lunch with friends. Ina was an avid reader, and loved challenging word puzzles.
Ina was predeceased by her husband Steve in 1998. She is survived by her children Kenny, Robbie, Stephanie and Stephen; daughters-in-law Carrie, Laurie and Marcy; son-in-law Mike; granchildren Michelle (JR), Kim (Phil), Nicole (Bill), John (Nicole), Kenny (Dani), Courtney, Kristen, Helen, Alex, Lindsey, Stevie and Shane; 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are tomorrow (Tuesday, June 4, 5 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral service will be held Wednesday *June 5, 1 p.m., Saugatuck Church in Westport), with interment to follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity.
Ina Lozyniak
=================================================
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from the Library Riverwalk.
But it’s a scene that’s repeated all around town, these late spring days:
Thousands of brides-to-be (and grooms) have joined The Knot.
The one-stop wedding planning site is packed with information on everything nuptials-related: tips on how to plan a budget, send invitations and set up a registry; links to venues, caterers, photographers, DJs, officiants and transportation.
Of course, you can set up your own wedding website on The Knot too. It’s all very meta.
But what about something even more expensive than a wedding: college?
Sure, there are educational consultants, test prep companies and tutors — all with their own websites.
But so much more goes into college. Financial planning. Summer programs and internships. How to live with a roommate.
And of course, where to get the best swag for your school of choice.
Students — and their parents — must manage that on their own.
At least, they did.
Now there’s a “college concierge.” It’s a one-stop college shop — an academic version of The Knot.
And there’s a strong Westport connection.
Ali’s friend Robyn.
In 1989 — the summer before her senior year of high school — New Jersey student Ali Dorfman was in Israel. A close friend named Robyn was killed in an automobile accident. Devastated, Ali planted a tree there, in her memory.
Ali wrote movingly about that experience, in her college application essay.
Last December — after spending most of her career as a producer with CBS News, and owning a few small businesses — Ali was thinking about her next chapter.
With a freshman at Staples High School and a 7th grader at Coleytown Middle School, the topic of college was creeping up.
Ali — a storyteller at heart — thought she might make a good essay coach.
One day, she spotted a Facebook post from Robyn’s older sister Jill. It said “Your College Concierge.”
Ali and Jill had not spoken in decades. But as they chatted, Ali learned that she and her husband Peter live in Florida, where for 18 years they’ve owned a company by that name. They helped thousands of students navigate the college admissions process.
Ali loved the word “concierge” — and saw an opportunity to expand what Jill and Peter had developed. There was nothing, they realized, like it anywhere.
In January they hired a web designer. Now they are relaunching YourCollegeConcierge.com as the go-to destination for all things college.
Ali Dorfman (2nd from left), with her husband Peter, and partners Jill and Peter Ratzan.
Their platform includes everything from service providers (admissions consultants, essay coaches, test prep companies, financial guidance) and shop owners (college gifts, swag, dorm décor) to lifestyle tips and tricks (how to eat healthfully, the best places to stay while visiting college campuses).
The goal is to be a nationwide site. But as Ali builds it out, there is a strong Westport presence.
Local service providers include Nicole Kelman’s New England Ed Consulting, Tami Benanav’s Campus View Consulting, and essay coach Sara Robbin.
Expert advice comes from women’s health coach Andrea Robinson, digital influencer Dr. Tania Elliot, designer Jen Berniker, travel expert Jodi Gordon, and Safe Travels Med founder Dr. Deborah Mogelof.
Lauren Axelrod of Sweet and Accepted offers acceptance gifts.
Screenshot from Your College Concierge.
Your College Concierge charges businesses $99 to be listed. Users pay nothing.
“Knot” too shabby.
(Click here for the Your College Concierge website. Click here for their Facebook page. Their Instagram is @yourcollegeconcierge.)
(College is not cheap. And — even though we don’t charge — “06880” is not free either. We rely on reader support. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
Westport’s 4th annual Pride celebration brought a rainbow collection to Jesup Green.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies and friends; children in strollers, and older folks with walkers; those of many faiths, and none, all came together for a festive — and occasionally reflective — afternoon.
Staples High School was in the house.
Vendors sold books and bracelets. The Democratic Town Committee gave away cookies; Temple Israel handed out rainbow challah.
Speakers spoke. Musicians made music. Clergy offered prayers.
State treasurer Erick Russell (far left) — a member of the LGBTQ community — spoke about the importance of the day for young people. He was joined by Joe Grabarz, Connecticut’s first openly gay legislator; State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, and State Senator Ceci Maher, of Westport Pride’s advisory committee.
And — whenever they could — friends and strangers smiled.
Broadway actor and 2008 Staples graduate Adam Kaplan (2nd from left) with his husband Ashley Day, and parents Carol and Jeff Kaplan.
Festive arch, by the Jesup Road rainbow crosswalk.
Inclusive books on sale
Westport Pride founder and president Bryan McGunagle, and Kayla Iannetta, advisor to Staples Pride.
Face painting: a popular attraction.
Temple Israel cantor Julia Cadrain.
Former Staples High School principal John Dodig (right), and his husband Rodger Leonard.
Dr. Nikki Gorman
Puppet on parade
Former Representative Town Meeting member Harris Falk
Last week’s Photo Challenge showed an interesting perspective of a well-known sight: Bedford Square.
Seth Braunstein’s image — taken from inside, looking out toward Church Lane — was recognized by Susan Iseman, Andrew Colabella, Sal Liccione, Matt Murray, Clark Thiemann, Michael Simso and Linda Vita Velez. (Click here to see.)
That challenge was fairly straightforward. This one should be fairly recognizable too.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
